Assignment Structure and Assessment in Psychology Courses

Assignment Descriptions in Psychology

Exams

Examinations are a core component of assessment in psychology courses, designed to evaluate students' understanding of key concepts, theories, and research methods.

• Mid-term Exams: Two mid-term exams (Exams 1 & 2), each worth 25% of the final grade.

• Final Exam: One cumulative final exam (Exam 3), also worth 25% of the final grade.

• Format: Exams consist of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions.

• Coverage:

  • Exam 1: Material from the first three modules.

  • Exam 2: Material from modules 5 to 7.

  • Final Exam: Material from modules 9 to 11, plus cumulative questions from the rest of the course.

Example: A mid-term exam may include questions on research methods, biological psychology, and sensation and perception, while the final exam may require integration of knowledge from multiple chapters.

Written Assignments 1 & 2

Written assignments in psychology encourage students to explore new ideas about human mind and behaviour, and to critically analyze research findings.

• Purpose: To reflect on controversial or groundbreaking research topics in psychology.

• Requirements: Students select a topic from a provided list or propose their own, and write an essay or report based on research and critical analysis.

• Evaluation: Assignments are graded based on the quality of analysis, use of evidence, and clarity of writing.

Example: A student may write an essay evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders, using peer-reviewed research as evidence.

Research Contributions

Participation in research is an important aspect of psychology education, providing students with firsthand experience in the scientific process.

• Opportunities: Students may participate in psychological research studies or complete alternative assignments if they choose not to participate in research.

• Learning Outcomes: Gain a better understanding of how psychological research is conducted and how data is collected and analyzed.

• Ethical Considerations: All research participation is voluntary and must comply with university ethics guidelines.

Example: A student may participate in a study on memory recall, or alternatively, write a summary of a published research article if they opt out of participation.

Additional info: These assignment types align with standard practices in introductory psychology courses, supporting learning objectives related to scientific thinking, research methods, and critical analysis.